Desert Health News - January-February 2024

www.desertcarenetwork.com/events 1 http://www.deserthealthnews.com/ January/February 2024 what’s inside Complimentary Natural Options The Importance of Mindfulness in Golf 12 Integrative Medicine Restful Tips fromMatthew Walker’s Why We Sleep 18 Through the Generations The Success of CSUSB’s Sages and Seekers 20 Fresh Cuisine Nostalgic and Nutritious: Wally’s Expands O erings 23 Desert Events Desert Woman’s Show Turns Sweet 16 27 Health & Beauty Aging + Big Beauty: The Expensive Myth 25 Financial Health Re-Solution: Past Experiences Aid Future Planning 24 Continued on page 5 Medical News New Weight Loss Alternatives 8 HEALTHY CELLS HEALTHY BODY HEALTHY AGING W hen was the last time you heard the word “equanimity”? Most may ponder the question, while those who meditate softly smile and sigh. It’s a good word to know. Equanimity is defined as mental or emotional stability or composure, especially under tension or strain. It’s the act of facing challenges with a calm clarity and open perspective versus reacting with unsettling emotions. Mastering the art of equanimity doesn’t mean disconnecting from the world, but lessening the effects it can have on us mentally and emotionally. It’s not something you have or don’t have; it’s something you cultivate. And the focus doesn’t have to be on a global scale. It can start with your relationship with your immediate surroundings – what you see, hear and contemplate each moment of your day. In fact, when you practice, its best to start small with something as simple as meditation. Equanimity is a core principle of meditation, like mindfulness, and while the two are connected, they are different. Mindfulness is being fully aware of your surroundings in each moment; equanimity is the ability to forego reaction and maintain calm regardless of external circumstances. I use the Calm app for my daily meditation and love Jeff Warren’s description of equanimity in a recent Daily Trip: “It’s the subtle skill of being open and not getting uptight or annoyed about any imperfections in our immediate environment.” How do you start cultivating equanimity? Sit in a comfortable space, close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Try to relax your mind, clear your thoughts (that’s the hard part), and just be where you are. With these small steps, you’re meditating. You practice equanimity by not letting the barking dog, buzzing fly or itchy nose bother you; you simply notice them, accept that they are there, softly smile and return to your inner calm. Themore you practice, the easier it is to apply these same principals throughout your day. If something bothers you, you simply accept that it’s there, take a deep breath and return to your center. What do you gain by practicing equanimity? Patience, clarity, compassion, grace, time, more smiles, better sleep. What do you lose? Stress, agitation, judgement, reactivity, restless sleep. Let’s all embrace a little more equanimity this year. Just imagine what our collective efforts could do for each of us individually and for the world around us. T his year, our valley’s esteemed PGA TOUR golf tournament, The American Express, celebrates 65 years. The tournament originally launched in 1960 as the Palm Springs Golf Classic. It has seen its share of ups and down over the decades but has grown to become one of sport’s best special events, a nomination proudly received in 2023. While many factors have changed over the years, one consistent remains: the tournament’s charitable contributions to our community. In fact, in that very first year, while the Golf Classic struggled to pay its debt, Arnold Palmer and other board members decided to hold a luncheon at the El Mirador Hotel to give proceeds to local charities. The success of that luncheon and the enthusiastic response from the community convinced the board that the tournament should continue. With $1 million donated in 2023, the tournament officially surpassed $65 million in charitable contributions. Donations were made through the event’s foundation, Impact Through Golf, to 16 local charities with a focus on legacy projects serving the entire valley in areas of health and wellness, youth sports, family support, education and homelessness. “It takes a village to execute our high standard of charitable giving to our local desert beneficiaries through our tournament, and we are appreciative of the shared vision and partnership we have with our title sponsor, American Express,” said Foundation Chairman Frank Marzano. “We acknowledge all of our committed sponsors, local business partners, volunteers and fans as the collective which enables our tournament to raise funds and thrive in serving the Coachella Valley.” 2023 recipients include Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert; Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City; Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley; Boys & Girls Club of PalmSprings;CoachellaValleyVolunteersinMedicine; Desert Sands Educational Foundation; Family YMCA of the Desert; First Tee - Coachella Valley; 2024 | Embracing By Lauren Del Sarto EQ UAN I M I T Y $65M @ 65 Golf togive continues